Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alex Norris and Paul Davies

Monday 5th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Alex Norris]

The right hon. Gentleman was, I remember, sat right there in that seat—well, the Leader of the Opposition had moved him down one—to hear my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary talk about building this country’s deterrent factor. He was there because he was opposing our Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025, which passed only in the last few days of the previous year. It is part of our deterrent—he knows that, because he opposed it. The idea that we should instead leave international agreements, which would mean all our returns agreements would need to be entered into again, is, I am afraid, for the birds. We are getting on with serious action; the Conservatives are just getting on with their press releases.

[Paul Davies (Colne Valley) (Lab)]

5. What recent steps her Department has taken to help tackle rural crime.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alex Norris and Paul Davies

Monday 3rd March 2025 Commons Chamber

[Paul Davies (Colne Valley) (Lab)]

3. What recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on the Penistone line project.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Alex Norris)]

Our Department is in regular dialogue with the Department for Transport and with regional mayors on how best to support local transport infrastructure investment, including the Penistone line project. With our decision to finally grasp the nettle and support a mass transit system, this Government are now providing unprecedented levels of investment for the region.

[Paul Davies]

The Penistone line connects Kirklees, Barnsley and Sheffield. Single-track sections constrain capacity and present reliability issues. On the day that the previous Conservative Government announced that Network North money would be spent on potholes in London, three out of six services running over a four-hour period were cancelled on the Penistone line. Does the Minister agree that the proposed improvements will boost connectivity, economic growth, education and healthcare? Will the Minister meet me and my colleagues to discuss advancing this project?

[Alex Norris]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising these important points. I totally agree with him that improved connectivity is essential for places to thrive, and that is a point that Mayor Tracy Brabin makes to me frequently. I can happily say that the case for West Yorkshire is heard loud and clear. I would of course be happy to hold such a meeting.